LIONS IN DANGER; Fire breaks out in Savarkundla

Amreli: A huge fire broke out in the grasslands of Savarkundla range, Mitiyana in Amreli district, which is known to be inhabited by many Asiatic lions, at 4 pm on Monday afternoon. Sources said that by evening the fire had spread to over 500 acres of the lush greens forests of Savarkundla and had spread mainly in the hilly areas of the

forest. The cause of the fire was not known.

When contacted on Monday evening, forest officer, Solanki said, “ Operations are on to control the fire and we are doing everything in our control to save the lions in the region. We do not have details of the cause of the fire or the extent of damage yet and will be able to give further details only after the operations are over.” Known to be very conducive to the living habits of the Asiatic lion, these lush green grasslands had been in the past considered for a forest reserve.